WELCOME TO THE OUTER BANKS!

The North Carolina Outer Banks are a 90-mile stretch of beautiful barrier islands, only one of which is our favorite Hatteras Island. On the east side of these islands are white sandy beaches and the clear blue Atlantic Ocean. On the west side are brackish water sounds stretching as far as the eye can see. Some towns along the Outer Banks offer robust commercial areas full of shops, galleries and restaurants, while the villages farther off the mainland offer remote solitude. The wind and waves that created these islands also afford visitors some of the best water and kite sport locations in the world, along with panoramic sunny skies and constant cooling breezes perfect for any outdoor activity. Hang gliding, strolling and biking, shipwreck scuba exploration, lighthouse discovery and much more can be found here, all against a picturesque coastal backdrop. The unspoiled landscape of the Outer Banks is limitless and breathtaking. Inhabited for thousands of years, this beautiful stretch of islands has a rich heritage to study. Legends and history are deeply-rooted in these parts with The Outer Banks Historical Society keeping paperwork and pictures available to the public. The Wright Brothers Museum, the wild horses of Corolla and the Lost Colony are just a few of the day trip attractions. So much adventure and relaxation is waiting to be discovered here on the North Carolina Outer Banks, you just have to find it.

The local Outer Banks weather is generally mild with seasonal temperatures that seldom dip below freezing or rise above 80 degrees. Summertime visitors will enjoy the warmest months, although many off-season vacationers agree that the spring and fall months are perfectly delightful times to visit as well. Outer Banks weather can also change within minutes, and it’s not unusual for a summer thunderstorm to quickly pass through a region along the Outer Banks on an otherwise sunny day. Visitors should pay close attention to the daily forecast, and should plan their beach days accordingly.

For more information on Outer Banks weather, including local hurricanes, visit our website often to see the forecast for your upcoming Hatteras Island vacation!

AVERAGE CONDITIONS

Month

Maximum
Temperature

Minimum
Temperature

Water
Temperature

Precipitation

January

51°F

36°F

49°F

4.7 in

February

54°F

37°F

46°F

3.2 in

March

60°F

43°F

42°F

4.6 in

April

69°F

51°F

59°F

3.1 in

May

76°F

60°F

68°F

4.2 in

June

83°F

68°F

74°F

4.8 in

July

86°F

72°F

78°F

5.3 in

August

85°F

72°F

80°F

5.6 in

September

81°F

67°F

77°F

4.9 in

October

71°F

57°F

70°F

4.1 in

November

63°F

48°F

58°F

3.4 in

December

55°F

40°F

55°F

3.7 in

OUTER BANKS HISTORY

Explore the rich past of Hatteras Island, North Carolina and learn all about the Outer Banks history. From pirates to shipwrecks you’ll no doubt learn a fun and interesting fact or two about this beautiful coastal state.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are a unique part of the long chain of barrier islands stretching from Virginia to the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico. Over many long years, giant sand dunes have built up with constant wind pressures changing the landscape on a daily basis. Now with the area’s modern roads, bridges and ferry boats, visitors today could never imagine what the islands were like in the early days, but the history of the Outer Banks goes back to the first days when our country was new. Early American settlers, pirates, the first powered flight and the first wireless telegraph are just a few of the many stories of the Outer Banks – a land steeped in tradition and history.

The Lost Colony

History of the first Englishmen settlers arriving in America began when Sir Walter Raleigh, along with John White and 116 colonists, landed on Hattorask (Hatteras) Island on June 22, 1587. They found the island low, unprotected, almost barren of trees — not suitable to establish a colony. They then sailed up the Pamlico Sound to Roanoke Island, an inland island protected by outer barrier islands to set up their new home. There were large oak forests and plenty of natural cover, fresh water ponds and tillable land, much different than that on Hatteras. It was also home for a friendly tribe of Croatan Indians.

John White sailed back to England for more supplies, telling those he left behind that he would be back within the year, but was delayed for almost three years due the war between England and Spain. When he returned, there was no trace of the Colony, except for two words carved in a tree, “CRO” and “CROATOAN.” He left without knowing what had happened to his friends and so began the story of The Lost Colony.

Some scholars think Indians killed the colonists, while others think the English settlers moved farther inland to better farm land. Others suggest that they may have died of starvation, but no one knows for certain. However, ongoing archaeological efforts reveal new clues with every research excavation. We may soon know what became of the colonists, but as of today, it remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in early American history.

Pirates Arrive

Among the first visitors to the barrier islands that stretched from the Virginia Capes to Georgia during the period from 1500s to 1725 were pirates and former privateers who had been under the protection of the British Crown. The privateers decided that any ship with cargo was fair game, which included the British. It was easy to become a pirate as one Stede Bonnet, a wealthy landowner turned pirate, found out. Get a fast ship, a destitute crew that would do anything, and go "a-pirating."

The ships going back to Europe were usually lightly armed, slow and laden with gold and silver–well worth the pirates’ efforts. Capturing a Spanish ship taking treasures from Central and South America back to Spain could make a crew rich for life. The route back to Spain passed close to the eastern coastline, and the small barrier islands offered great protection for pirate ships lying in wait for their next prize. The waters were too shallow for heavy draft vessels to navigate, and the pirates’ lighter ships, usually a sloop or cutter, were relatively safe from the heavy British Man-O-Wars. At one time there were more than two thousand pirate ships operating off the east coast. The use of smaller, faster boats with large crews made the slow galleons of the British and Spanish no match for the pirate ships.

The shallow bays were also handy for careening a ship because barnacles and sea worms would cover the hull below the water line in a short time. They would sail into the mud banks on a high tide, and as the tide fell, the ship would keel over. This exposed one side under the waterline, allowing the crew to scrape off the barnacles and pour tar and creosote on the exposed wood. It took several weeks to treat an entire ship.

The most famous of all pirates, Blackbeard, was a frequent visitor to the Outer Banks and considered the Devil by most seafaring men. He was a large man, very muscular, with long black hair and beard braided and tied with colorful bows. Just before he boarded a prize, he inserted slow burning matches in the bows giving off wisps of smoke. He dressed in black from his cocked hat to his tall leather boots and wore a pistol, dagger and heavy cutlass on his belt, with a bandolier holding six cocked pistols on his chest. He would appear on deck with a cutlass in one hand, a pistol in the other and smoke curling from under his hat and his dark eyes flashing.

Early history of the Outer Banks tells of the people that lived there, from explorers to the early pirates, many of which were drawn by the wreckage that littered the beaches and surrounding bays. They were hearty, self-sufficient, private and comfortable with the isolation on the islands. Living in the most dangerous part of the new world was very trying. With insufficient shelter from the raging storms and no fresh water except what they were able to catch in canvas catch basins and store in barrels, times were tough. Daily battles with the elements of heavy tides and surf and the threat of frequent storms kept the residents always just a step away from death.

Sinking Ships and Settling the Outer Banks

The ocean area surrounding Cape Hatteras Point, known as the Diamond Shoals, were especially dangerous because of the warm Gulf Stream current from the south and cold Labrador Current from the north meeting here. This created shifting sandbars, frequent wind and rainstorms, high seas and dangerous currents that would drive an ill-informed sailing ship onto the shoals or carry an unwary fisherman out to sea. The loss of more than 5000 ships and an unknown number of human lives since record keeping began in 1526 earned this coastline the nickname the Graveyard of the Atlantic.Among the better known shipwrecks was the USS Monitor, a participant in the famous Battle of Hampton Roads during the American Civil War. The Monitor sank on December 31, 1862 off Cape Hatteras.

Low, sandy islands stretched for many miles along the Carolina coast, uninhabited except for scavengers, or salvagers, as some were known, drawn by the frequent shipwrecks on the treacherous shoals. The miles of beaches and tall dunes were littered with ship wreckage, boxes, crates and barrels of merchandise, rum, whisky, sugar, gold, silver, furniture and more. Occasionally, bodies of hapless sailors washed up on the beach. The salvagers or scavengers built small shacks mostly on the mainland side of the islands away from the heavy surf and tidal overwash. There were plenty of building supplies such as timbers, lumber, dunnage and sail canvas from the ship wreckage to protect them from the elements. What they couldn’t use, they traded to the mainlanders or passing ships that frequented the small ports. Soon small settlements appeared on the high ground as more people came to live on the islands, drawn by the lure of treasures on the beach, theirs for the taking.

Many stories of heroic actions by the villagers are told today about saving many men and women from shipwrecks, sometimes in storms and heavy surf. They were hardy people used to living in a lonely and desolate land, surviving by their wits and depending on one another, ready to help if needed. Staring death in the face became a daily thing. The Outer Banks was not a place for the weak or fainthearted.

Their diet was mostly fish, shellfish and water fowl, all plentiful in the surrounding bays and inlets. At first, cattle and pigs were scarce but soon small herds which included “banks” ponies could be spotted in the marshes around the islands. They supplemented their existence with salvage goods, which they took over to the mainland to barter for clothes, flour, oil and some meat products. They had no use for money, something almost unknown on the Outer Banks.

Because of the isolation, the workers lived with their families in nearby hamlets. It was a lonely life, often interrupted by Nor’Easters and hurricanes. Frequent over washes during extreme high tides destroyed many of the early homes and even carried some-with their residents inside–out to sea or into the bays, but the “Bankers,” as they came to be known, persevered. They just moved to higher ground and built again.

Small villages began to spring up all along the banks to support the various government activities such as building lighthouses, manning the life stations, weather stations and post offices. Other jobs followed, including running supply boats back and forth to the mainland, fishing, and building specially designed boats to take the heavy surf and offshore currents that would sink an ordinary boat. This was the beginning of the Hatteras design, now used by many large boat builders.

Building the Lighthouses

The maritime industry ship owners urged the government to do something to protect ships and sailors in the treacherous waters off of Hatteras Island. Congress approved a lighthouse on Cape Hatteras and lifesaving stations. Others would follow up and down the long chain of islands.

For the first time, many workers were needed for a major project when the first light house was built. Construction started in 1796 and was operational in 1802. It proved to be very ineffective because it was too low and the light was too weak. It was refitted with a better light and raised 60 feet in 1854.

As money became available, others followed for a total of five lighthouses as far north as Corolla. The government also established lifesaving stations up and down the islands, which provided work for many people and brought many of the family names that remain on the Island today.

Tourism was Born

Shortly after the Civil War, tourists from New York began to arrive to hunt duck and geese. This area is the winter grounds for Snow & Canadian geese, swans, ducks and many varieties of smaller water birds. To support this new industry, hotels, rooming houses and cafes were built, and locals worked as hunting guides and provided water transportation. Roads and bridges had to be built across the sand dunes and inlets separating the islands, thus providing year round employment for the Bankers.

At first tourism was just a trickle, but as the word spread about this wonderful place called the Outer Banks, of big fish that didn’t get away, of the miles and miles of long white beaches, millions of birds, large schools of dolphin, and a place unlike anywhere else on the east coast, tourists began to show up from the mainland, anxious to visit this utopia.

The Wright Place for the First Powered Flight

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright flew the first heavier-than-air powered flight from a small spot on the Outer Banks called Kill Devil Hill. Four flights followed, and the whole world now knew about a place called Kitty Hawk. Millions would travel to here in later years just to visit this spot.

At first, private ferries traveled between the islands, carrying passengers, mail and supplies from the mainland and picking up fresh fish, shellfish and other products to bring back to the mainland market. Eventually, with the dedication of the Wright Memorial, the small shallow inlets were filled in, bridges were built over the deeper ones and roads were built throughout the islands. It still required some effort to travel to Hatteras Island, and it was not until 1963 that a bridge was built across Oregon Inlet.

Now, the islands were accessible from one end to another: from the north by the new Bonner Bridge and from the south, scheduled ferries from the mainland transported cars and visitors to and from Hatteras where they could continue up the island chain.

Today, visitors to the Outer Banks enjoy things that were once considered impossible.

To visit the Outer Banks is a thrilling experience. One can live in luxury or camp out on miles of white sandy beaches. You can dine on hotdogs and hamburgers or the finest gourmet dinner and authentic local specialties. Take a charter boat out to the deep water fishing ground where an elusive 800-pound Marlin awaits your hook or search for buried treasure in the surf. Walk out on one of the many fishing piers that dot the coastline and watch for sea life or maybe wet a hook. Perhaps you would like to scuba dive around one of the thousands of wrecks that dot the ocean floor. Maybe a quiet day at the spa or a week in an oceanfront private luxury home is more your style.

If history is your thing, visit the various museums showing everything from old ships to recovered objects from the sea floor, local wildlife and more. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Museum, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center are just a few of the interesting and highly educational museums located here on Hatteras Island.

Nothing is impossible on the Outer Banks. You’ll want to come back time after time, because one can never cover all there is to do in one visit.

Who knows, you might contribute to the history of the Banks.

The Mystery of the Mother Vineyard

Mother Vineyard in Roanoke Island is home to the oldest known grapevine in the United States. This 400-year-old scuppernong mother vine has a trunk two feet thick and once stretched one-half an acre. Sir Walter Raleigh found the vine here and sent back reports that the vines “covered every shrub and climbed the tops of high cedars.” That is a lot of grapevine! The scuppernong is a variety of the Muscadine grape and is the first grape actively cultivated in the United States. These sweet Muscadines are a bronze-green color and have very thick bitter outside hulls, while the inside is sweet and juicy. Scuppernong grapes are extraordinarily high in antioxidants and are great for cardiovascular health.

The mystery lies in who set these vines. The vines are set equal distances from each other, obviously planned and well taken care of since they were planted. Everyone agrees that these vines were set by advanced cultivators who even used scaffolds to hold the vines. But who were these advanced farmers? Algonquian Indians were native to this area and indeed grew tobacco and potatoes and were quite sophisticated in their farming methods. Colonists reported that the Indians made and enjoyed wine.

Interestingly enough, a female deckhand on the ferry says her grandmother claims to have traveled between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island on a homemade bridge of grapevines. Now that would be a lot of grapevines and a tall tale, at that!

Today, the Muscadine grows wild in North Carolina backyards and hangs densely from the trees in our forests. The Mother Vine is on private property and is not easy to find. If you drive north from Manteo on 1-64, Mother Vineyard Road is about 3/4 of a mile past the city limits. Make a right on Mother Vineyard Road and very quickly you will come up on a sharp right turn where the sound is. A few hundred feet past that sharp turn on the left, you can see the 400 year old Mother Vineyard. As this is private property, be careful not to trespass by keeping on the road.

Eating Scuppernongs
Scuppernongs have thick skins and seeds. To eat a scuppernong, first, hold the grape stem side up and squeeze the grape. The juicy inside will squirt into your mouth. Be careful to spit out the seeds, and don’t chew the skin as it is bitter.

Storing Your Scuppernongs
Keep the grapes in a covered shallow container in the refrigerator for best results. Wash them just before use. The Scuppernongs should keep for a week if they are healthy when gathered.

Nutritional Information
Scuppernongs are high in Vitamin C and contain potassium, Vitamin B, and trace minerals. They are naturally low in sodium and free of fat and cholesterol. When measuring, 2 cups of scuppernongs equals 3/4 pound.

To prepare grapes, remove pulp; cook pulp until seeds loosen, then press through sieve to remove seeds.
Add pulp to skins and cook until tender. Add sugar to taste, some grated lemon peel and a sprinkle of apple pie spice.
Melt butter in glass pie plate. Mix flour, sugar and milk in another bowl. Pour flour mixture over butter. Carefully pour prepared grapes over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Do not open oven until baking time is up. Cake should be brown on top.
Yield: 8 servings.

Drain crabmeat well and flake.
Toss together cheese and flour.
In a saucepan, heat wine until bubbles rise.
Over low heat, add cheese, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until cheese is melted.
Add caraway seeds and crabmeat. Transfer to a fondue pot.
Serve with French bread cubes or vegetables for dipping.
Yield: 2 1/2 cups.

Combine all ingredients in saucepan.
Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to desired consistency.
Use as a glaze to baste ham, chicken, fish or vegetables, or serve as a sauce.

Recipes courtesy of North Carolina Grape Council & NCDA&CS

Lighthouses

Since the first lighthouse was built on the coast of North Carolina, these structures on the outer banks have been a comforting sight to the many mariners that plied the dangerous waters around Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks. For hundreds of years, most ships sailed blind when in the area, depending on navigation skills to get though the rough waters.

One of the first acts of the fledgling Continental Congress was to authorize light houses and lifesaving stations along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida.

Congress authorized the first lighthouse in 1796 on Cape Hatteras overlooking the Diamond Shoals. At that time, Hatteras Inlet was the only deep channel that remained open along the island chain. The structure was ineffective because it was too low and the light very weak. It was replaced in 1870 with the present structure, 208 feet tall and a stronger light. The present light can be seen up to 20 miles and by airline pilots as far away as 115 miles. Under especially favorable atmospheric conditions the light has been observed 51 miles at sea according to the National Park Service.

A 54-ft wooden tower was built at the entrance to Ocracoke Island in 1798 to house a light but Ocracoke Inlet constantly shifted, rendering it obsolete. A lightship followed but was also rendered useless by the shifting sand. The present tower was authorized in 1822 and is the oldest operating tower in North Carolina.

The original Bodie lighthouse was built in 1847, overlooking a beach that yielded many bodies from the various wrecks where many feel the name Bodie comes from. It is located just north of Oregon Inlet. It has been replaced twice and the last one is still operational.

The last one near Corolla on the Currituck Beach was built in 1875, ten years after the end of the civil war. It was the last blind spot along the long coastline and does not guard an inlet. It stands 158 feet tall, and unlike the other lighthouses that had been rebuilt or replaced over the years, the original structure is still standing. The light house is open for climbing, weather permitting.

All lighthouses are painted with either stripes or wide bands creating a distinctive color pattern for identification. The lighthouse is also identifiable at night by the distinctive light patterns, speed, and rotation.

It is well worth the climb to the top when visiting lighthouses, where miles of quiet country side and the rolling oceans make up a panoramic view that is both breathtaking and unbelievable. It takes one back to times when sailing ships appeared on the horizon, hoping to make safe ports. It’s very quiet, leaving one with imagination thoughts of an earlier time.

Each lighthouse has a unique history telling the stories of heroism and the many lives saved. Mariners are now quite comfortable sailing up and down the coast to various ports. We take most things for granted but to listen to the stories and visit the sites where early mariners perished or were rescued, we realize the importance of the lighthouses.

For aircraft pilots, lighthouses and beacons are important in helping to locate airports in rough weather or at night. It must be comforting in a storm as well, to know that one is not alone.

The lighthouses on the outer banks are unique, because unlike many others on desolate islands that require a boat trip, all the lighthouses on the Outer Banks are accessible, some are free and some have a slight cost to defray expenses.

Contact the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. at (252) 453-4939 for more information.

One of the most important events in the history of the Outer Banks was the establishment of lifesaving stations set up to rescue shipwrecked seaman. At one time there were many stations scattered up and down the beaches. Today, one remains on the north end of Hatteras Island at Chicamacomco, just north of Rodanthe.

These stations were credited with saving many lives and rescuers often went into the surf with nothing but ropes and sheer guts. One story is that a ship foundered in the raging surf just offshore in a heavy storm and the shipwrecked crew barely made it to the beach near one of the stations. When they arrived at the station, they found everyone asleep. The sleeping crew was replaced with a new crew in the days following the incident, and it never happened again.

There are many stories of villagers forming lifesaving teams to rescue unfortunate seaman. Sometimes they had nothing but the drive to do something that would get the men home safely. Facing death every day was a way of life for the Outer Bankers.

If you are in the Outer Banks area, or hope to visit us soon, don’t forget to save some time to visit our famous lighthouses and historical sites. A must see is the “Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.”

The museum is not fully open, but hopes are to finish it this year. Nevertheless, many of the exhibits are open for you to wander through and enjoy. Don’t get in a hurry because it contains exhibits dating back 400 years, displaying many maritime artifacts such as old coins, wreckage and remains of ships. Included is the famous Enigma machine from a sunken German sub, U-85 destroyed off the coast in WWII.

The unique history and heritage of the Outer Banks comes to life right before your eyes and along with the Pageant “The Lost Colony,” “The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum” rates as one of the best depictions of life on the Outer Banks and 400 years of American history.

Don’t you dare leave without seeing what the Outer Banks are all about. If you do leave empty handed, you will always feel cheated because it is a once in a life time experience.

Shipwrecks

Thousands of ships traveling these waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” here in the Outer Banks, were pounded to bits by the rough currents and shallow sand bars with only a few large pieces remaining. Many remains are buried but then uncovered by storms only to be covered once again by sand at a later time. Finding shipwrecks here on the North Carolina Outer Banks can be tricky business. However, there are some that are easier to find and can be seen on a regular basis.

Laura A. Barnes was a 120 foot wooden schooner out of Camden, Maine, traveling from New York to South Carolina. She foundered in the dense fog during a nor’easter on June 1, 1921. The crew was rescued in full by the men at the Bodie Island Coast Guard Station. In 1973 the shipwreck was moved to Coquina Beach on Highway 12, across from Bodie Island Lighthouse and is set up as an exhibit on the beach for public viewing. Further information about the Laura A. Barnes is posted at the exhibit.

Lois Joyce is a recent shipwreck on the North Carolina Outer Banks. This 100 foot commercial fishing boat attempted to enter Oregon Inlet during a December nor’easter. The ship was a total loss, but the crew was rescued by the Coast Guard. This shipwreck is visible in the surf at the north end of Oregon Inlet Bridge and is accessible only by four wheel drive vehicle.

Oriental was a Civil War steamship that ran aground off of what is now Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in 1862. Near mile marker thirty-one you will find the visitors center and a footpath leading to the beach. The remains of the boiler and smokestack are visible in the water, but it is easiest to see at low tide.

George A. Kohler was a large schooner that was grounded in a 1933 hurricane. This ship sat on the beach for ten years before it was burned for her iron fittings during World War II. The remains of this shipwreck has report to be seen both in the surf and on the sand she is located near mile marker 47 at Ramp #27 between Salvo and Avon.

Margaret A. Spencer has been marked by as such the national park service although very little is known about this shipwreck. By parking one mile north of Rodanthe and walking 1.8 miles north on the beach you can see the remains in the surf line.

Many other shipwrecks in the area have been covered by the shifting sands but who knows, next year they may be uncovered by a storm so they can be seen once again.

Corolla, North Carolina

Correctly pronounced ‘cor-Aah-lah’, this is the northernmost town on the Outer Banks. With beautiful beaches and upscale atmosphere, Corolla has a unique taste and flair for the contemporary. Twenty years ago there were only a few homes where luxurious communities exist today.

This area has a long, rich history and, amazingly enough, is older than the state of North Carolina. This means the land was once inhabited by Native Americans hands. Not surprisingly, the word Currituck is translated from Algonquian Indian ‘The Land of the Wild Goose.’

In 1873 when Corolla was better known as Jones Hill, construction began on Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This lighthouse was made of red bricks and was completed on December 1, 1874. It is the only lighthouse in North Carolina still housed in its original structure.

That same year, the Jones Hill Life Saving Station was established. This was one of seven original life-saving stations on the Outer Banks. These later became a part of the U.S. Coast Guard. This was a hard rugged life handed down from father to son. A third generation grandson who, like his father and grandfather before him, worked in the life saving stations still works for the government but in a wholly different capacity. He is 79 years young, and if you are fortunate enough to stop in at the Outer Banks Visitor Center and see him, he will tell you wonderful tales of growing up in the Outer Banks. He is very much the southern gentleman with gracious manners, but he is shy, therefore if you are so inclined to seek him out to ask for yourself about the history of this beautiful area, attire yourself with a listening ear and humble attitude.

One of the most spectacular landmarks on the Currituck Outer Banks is what was originally known as Corolla Island. Finished in 1925, and better known now as the Whalehead Club, this magnificent estate was built by Edward and Marie-Louise Knight, who used it as their winter residence until 1934. This massive home stood isolated for years before the area was more widely developed. The estate provided a source of work for local folks by hiring people to take care of the grounds and home as well as to serve as hunting guides for guests of the owners.

Today you can come and visit the Whalehead Club and Currituck Heritage Park. The 21,000 sq. ft. private residence, footbridge and boathouse are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is open from sunrise to dusk and the Whalehead Club has tours daily from Easter to Thanksgiving on the half hour beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. There are specialty tours available by reservation. For more information you can visit their website or call 252-453-9040.

The wild horses of Corolla are not a myth but can be seen in person if you have a four wheel drive vehicle and some patience. These horses descended from Spanish Mustangs which roamed the Outer Banks for over four hundred years. Originally, the horses played on the shores with the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Today these horses are protected by the government. You can read more about the horses here.

OUTER BANKS DAY TRIPS

Although a favorite characteristic of Hatteras Island is its remoteness, it still provides quick access to our neighbors for easy Outer Banks day trips to experience many of the areas attractions. A scenic hour or so drive north on Highway 12 takes you to the bigger coastal towns like Nags Head and Manteo, and a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride south takes you to Ocracoke Island. No matter what your favorite coastal activity is, you can find it here.

Corolla

Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Gift Shop
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-4939
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse stands 158 feet above the dunes, with a first order fresnel lens flashing its first beacon on December 1, 1875. Located in Corolla, NC, it was built to fill the last remaining dark spot of the NC coast between Bodie Island to the south and Cape Henry, VA to the north. To distinguish it from other regional lighthouses, it was left unpainted in natural red brick.

There are 214 winding steps to get to the top of this red brick lighthouse in Corolla. It was built in 1873 and the beacon reaches 158 into the air. At the top, climbers can catch their breath and take in the outstanding views or read about the history of the lighthouse.

This Currituck Beach Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 daily Easter through Thanksgiving. During the winter months, it is closed for restoration and maintenance. Admission to the grounds is free, as is parking. For ages 8 and up, there is a fee to climb the lighthouse.

The on site gift shop carries a nice selection of books, Outer Banks souvenirs and lighthouses.

The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park
1100 Club Road
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-9040
Built in the mid-1920s, The Whalehead Club continues to stand as one of the most spectacular landmarks on the NC Outer Banks. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A guided tour acquaints you with the history, architecture and folklore of this historic landmark.

Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Knight built their private residence, now known as the Whalehead Club, along the Atlantic flyway to enjoy their passion for waterfowl hunting. The restored museum is the finest representation of art nouveau architecture in the state. An exhibit in the downstairs gallery features the house’s original furnishings.

Kill Devil Hills

Wright Brothers National Memorial
800 Colington Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-7430
The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine were made here by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. A 60-foot granite monument dedicated in 1932, is perched atop 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill commemorating the achievement of these two visionaries from Dayton, Ohio.

The Visitor Center features full-scale reproductions of the Wright 1903 Powered Flyer and interpretive presentations. A centennial pavilion boasts an exhibit hall with permanent and special exhibits, including a replica of the 1902 Glider and multipurpose auditorium.

A visit should include touring the museum exhibits, participating in a ranger conducted program, touring the reconstructed camp buildings and first flight trail area, and a climb up Kill Devil Hill to view the memorial pylon.

Manteo

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2111
Three Visitor Centers are located throughout the Outer Banks to provide visitor information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For Bodie Island information, call 252-441-5711; for Hatteras Island information, call 252-995-4474; and for Ocracoke Island information, call 252-928-4531. The Visitor Centers can provide information about area activities and attractions, including the Ocracoke Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5772
This 513 acre park was built in remembrance of the 116 men, women, and children who disappeared here in the first English attempt at colonization of the New World. The settlement was the birthplace of Virginia Dare, first child of English parents born in America before the colony’s strange disappearance.

Sir Walter Raleigh’s explorers and colonists attempted to found settlements here on the North end of Roanoke Island in 1585. Home to the Waterside Theatre, where you’ll find The Lost Colony, a symphonic outdoor drama. You’ll also find a visitor’s center, interpretive programs, bookstore and nature trail. Location: Off Hwy. 64/264, on the north end of Roanoke Island.

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2133
The Outer Banks’ newest attraction. Dedicated on September 25, 2004, the lighthouse contains exhibits highlighting Roanoke Island’s maritime heritage, including a history of the Marshes Lighthouse and its keepers. The original screw-pile lighthouse was located in Croatan Sound on the west side of Roanoke Island. Built in 1877, it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard in 1955.

The Freedmen’s Colony of Roanoke Island
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-5772
The Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony is recognized as a historic National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. A marker was erected in 2001 to designate the site of a permanent colony on Roanoke Island between 1862 and 1867. Most of its 3,000 residents had been slaves three years earlier in northeastern North Carolina. A path through the woods north of Fort Raleigh leads visitors to a commemorative park along Croatan Sound.

The Lost Colony
1409 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2127
The Lost Colony (73rd Anniversary Season) offers a compelling drama has something the entire family can enjoy: lavish costumes, daring action, special effects, delightful comedy, music and dance. This is an absolute must-do event providing a uniquely Outer Banks experience.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green’s The Lost Colony recounts the exciting events leading to the disappearance of the English colonists who settled here over 400 years ago. The breathtaking beauty of open-air Waterside Theatre sets the stage for an unforgettable night.

The Lost Colony’s production season includes Children’s Theatre, Broadway musicals, and other events. Children 11 and under are free on Mon. & Fri. and half price on Sat. with a full-price adult. Attend pre-show Backstage Tours at 7 p.m. on performance nights, reservations required.

Nags Head

Bodie Island Lighthouse
10005 Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5711
The Bodie Island Light, encircled by two black and three white bands, stands 150 feet high. Equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, it flashes its 160,000 candlepower beacon 19 miles over the ocean. Originally built in 1847, the lighthouse was rebuilt with improvements in 1859. The name Bodie was originally spelled Body and is still pronounced body.

Ocracoke

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
1 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4192
The lighthouse stands 75 feet tall. Its diameter narrows from 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at its peak. The walls are solid brick, 12 feet thick at the bottom tapering to two feet at the top. An octagonal lantern crowns the tower and houses the light beacon. The lighthouse was cemented and whitewashed in 1868, giving it the appearance it has today.

The Ocracoke light is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. The lighthouse has a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The lighthouse is not open for climbing, the site can be visited daily.

Duck

Kill Devil Hills

Avalon Fishing Pier
2111 N Virginia Dare Trail
Milepost 6
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-7494
The Avalon Pier is located on the Oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills, at Mile Post 6. It is 696 feet long. The pier is usually open from 5:00 am – 2:00 am during the summer months. During the spring and fall, they open at 6:00 am and close when things slow down which is usually right before 10:00 pm. They sell all kinds of bait including bloodworms, squid, mullet, shrimp, and artificial lures. They also rent tackle.

Please note that as of Jan 1, 2007 a saltwater fishing license is required to fish in the Atlantic Ocean. The pier will pay your license fee if you fish off of Avalon, but you will need one if you plan on surf fishing.

Kitty Hawk

Dock of the Bay Marina
4200 Bob Perry Road
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 255-5578
Dock of the Bay Marina carries on-road and off-road diesel and regular and super-unleaded gasoline. A variety of items are available in the store including sandwiches, cold drinks, ice, bait, tackle, snacks and more. Crabbing and fishing can be enjoyed from the dock.

Owned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, Giants of the Sea, showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday – Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Nags Head Fishing Pier
3309 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5141
The Nags Head Fishing Pier offers a great fishing pier as well as a bait & tackle shop for all of your fishing needs. Also on site is The Pier House Restaurant and The Pier Cottages. There are 6 cottages available ranging from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms. Daily rates are available for the cottages, though there is a 3-night minimum stay.

Outer Banks Fishing Pier
8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5740
The Outer Banks Fishing Pier is open 24 hours a day. Daily, weekend and weekly passes are available, as well as group rates and senior citizen discounts. Bait and tackle are available at the Pier, as well as rentals of tackle, bicycles, umbrellas, chairs and boogie boards. Fishing charters are also available through Outer Banks Fishing Unlimited.

Ocracoke

Anchorage Inn & Marina
205 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1101
We offer some of the most beautiful scenery, sit and enjoy the lighthouse, waterfront & sunset views. We have pet-friendly rooms available, are AAA approved and are the only hotel with an elevator for ease of travel.

Our full service marina also has a pool and dockside cafe. The marina offers transient dockage, small boat rentals and fishing charters.

Corolla

The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park
1100 Club Road
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-9040
Built in the mid-1920s, The Whalehead Club continues to stand as one of the most spectacular landmarks on the NC Outer Banks. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A guided tour acquaints you with the history, architecture and folklore of this historic landmark.

Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Knight built their private residence, now known as the Whalehead Club, along the Atlantic flyway to enjoy their passion for waterfowl hunting. The restored museum is the finest representation of art nouveau architecture in the state. An exhibit in the downstairs gallery features the house’s original furnishings.

Manteo

North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
374 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
(866) 332-3475
The Aquarium’s variety of exhibits promise to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters, see largemouth and striped bass, river otters and the American alligators. Explore saltwater habitats from grass flats to Gulf Stream waters. Gently stroke a stingray or a hermit crab at the touch tanks.

Watch hundreds of fish flash by the 35-foot long viewing window of the 285,000-gallon ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’ tank. Sharks and dozens of other species cruise by only inches away. History buffs will marvel at the one-third-scale replica of the USS Monitor. Step into ”Storms”, and take an inside, personal look at Outer Banks hurricanes and nor’easters.

Get face to face with an electric eel, giant tarantula, black widow spider, venomous snakes and lionfish in the newest exhibit, ”Bite, Shock, Sting”. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission fees: $8 adults, $7 senior citizens and $6 children ages 6-17. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Featuring the state’s largest saltwater tank, this public aquarium is one of three operated by the state. Marine exhibits, touch tanks, films, field trips and daily programs. New to the aquarium is the Bite, Shock, Sting! These venomous animals include rattlesnakes, black widow spiders and lionfish.

North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
104 Fernando Street
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 475-1750
The George Washington Creef, a working boathouse, offers a look at local and regional maritime heritage through displayed watercraft, exhibits, restoration projects, and traditional skills workshops. You’ll also find an authentic shad fishing boat, the Ella View, made from native Outer Banks trees, which is an example of the historical boat developed over a century ago at Roanoke Island.

Outer Banks History Center
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2655
The Outer Banks History Center is a regional archives and research library administered by the North Carolina State Archives (Department of Cultural Resources) with the mission of collecting and preserving the history and culture of the North Carolina coast.

This 6700-square-foot facility includes a reading room, a Halon fire-suppression system, and stacks designed to withstand a Category 3 hurricane. Historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, and utilizing this core collection, the Outer Banks History Center was completed in 1988. Historical archives open Monday through Friday. Browse through pictures of the Outer Banks’ past!

Collections include personal and organizational papers; books; photographs; periodicals and newspapers; maps (1584+) and drawings; public records on microfilm; oral histories and other audio and video recordings; ephemera; and original works of art.

Exhibits are presented in the History Center Gallery throughout the year on topics as varied as the history of the region itself. The museum is located at the Roanoke Island Festival complex.

Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 25-acre state site offering visitor activities celebrating history, education, arts and environment. Climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative sailing vessel. Meet soldiers in the Settlement Site and explore more than 400 years of history in the Roanoke Adventure Museum.

View local art in the Art Gallery. Visit the museum store. Stroll our boardwalks through natural marshes. The park is located across from the Manteo Waterfront and 5 miles from the beaches.

Owned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, Giants of the Sea, showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday – Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Ocracoke

Ocracoke Preservation Society
49 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-7375
Celebrating 25 years of preserving the heritage of Ocracoke Village. Please Join OPS! Visit the David Williams House Museum and Gift Shop. Located by the Park Service Parking Lot.

Manteo

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
708 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-1131
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public year round. The Refuge is a challenge to outdoor enthusiasts. Photographers, bird watchers and outdoor lovers will find the Refuge intriguing although they should keep in in mind it can be difficult to maneuver. If you enjoy birding, watching black bears, hunting, fishing, walking or observing wildlife, including red wolves, you will find that there is something for every outdoor lover here.

One of the best ways to see the preserve is by water and small motor boats, canoes and kayaks may be launched from the south end of Buffalo City Road. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2111
Three Visitor Centers are located throughout the Outer Banks to provide visitor information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For Bodie Island information, call 252-441-5711; for Hatteras Island information, call 252-995-4474; and for Ocracoke Island information, call 252-928-4531. The Visitor Centers can provide information about area activities and attractions, including the Ocracoke Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-3234
History, mystery and fantasy are combined in these special gardens, which are a memorial to the first English colonists who came to North America in 1584-1587 and walked away through the dark forest into history. In 1951, The Garden Club of North Carolina adopted The Elizabethan Gardens as a project. The Gardens were designed by two of the nation’s foremost landscape architects, M. Umberto Innocenti and Richard Webel and display a collection of ancient garden statuary from the John Hay Whitney collection.

Flower bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees greet visitors at this 16th century pleasure garden created by The Garden Club of North Carolina as a living memorial to the lost colonists. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken gardens. A plethora of beautiful flowering plants, wildflowers, shrubs and trees located at the historic site of The Lost Colony. Created by The Garden Club of North Carolina to memorialize the colonists who were lost these lovely gardens include ancient statuary and Shakespearean Herb Garden.

There is beauty for all, year round, in this lovely garden in its tranquil setting on the shores of Roanoke Sound. Located within Fort Raleigh adjacent to Waterside Theatre.

Nags Head

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,000-acre wildlife haven located between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, is located 5 miles south of Oregon Inlet. More than 360 species of birds call the Refuge home, and visitors can enjoy seeing a large variety of wading, shore and upland birds from spring to autumn. For your convenience, the observation platforms are located near the parking areas. Public interpretive programs are scheduled weekly during the summer and fall.

Location: Between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe. Refuge Visitor’s Center is located five miles south of the inlet.

Hours: Refuge open daily during daylight hours.

Admission: Free. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee.

Services: Public interpretive programs are scheduled weekly during the summer and fall.

Contact Information: (252) 987-2394 or (252) 987-1118

Jockey’s Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7132
The dunes are constantly shifting and changing and this is one of the best places to “go fly a kite!” Picnic tables are available. Take the family and watch the hang-gliders soar above or better yet, try it yourself.

You must have a valid USHGA rating and need to check into the park office for a permit. Call Kitty Hawk Kites for more information about hang gliding lessons; 1-877-Fly.This.

Beachcombing

The Outer Banks beaches are perfect for shelling and beachcombing. The best times to look for shells are after high tide and after a storm, especially in the morning before people begin gathering on the beach and during the winter months. Check with the NC Aquarium about programs on shell collecting and educational field trips.

Swimming

Most sections of the seashore do not have lifeguards, restrooms, or other services available. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are usually posted at Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras Beach near the old lighthouse site, and the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. Red warning flags are posted at beaches with lifeguards when swimming conditions are hazardous. Within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (seven miles from Oregon Inlet) offers good bird watching and beaches for swimming and fishing.

Crabbing

All you need is a length of cord with suitable bait (chicken necks or fish heads do nicely) tied to one end. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull on the line gently to see if you get a nibble. Other methods use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. Crabs can be caught in local sound waters from late spring into early fall, but the best time is May, June and July.

Fishing

Some of the best fishing on the East Coast is found here on the Outer Banks. For the surfcaster, there are over 130 miles of accessible beach, and for those who enjoy pier fishing, there are eight located between Kitty Hawk and Hatteras. If you don’t have your own equipment, many bait and tackle shops offer rentals. Headboat fishing is a great family activity. There are inshore, half-day charters for cobia, amberjack and king mackerel, among others, and for the more adventurous, there are offshore, full-day charters to the Gulf Stream where anglers can catch marlin, tuna, wahoo and dolphin. Featuring some of the nation’s best angling waters, the Outer Banks is a sport fisherman’s paradise. Fishing along the coast is offered in a variety of forms, such as surf and pier fishing, brackish, fly and sound fishing, inshore and offshore charter fishing, with the season lasting throughout the year.

Bike Riding

Bicycling here is like nowhere else. With the surf, sun, sand, and space, you’ll find it is some of the most amazing biking around. The beach is all public and open to everyone, with public change rooms at several regional beach access areas in the northern section. The Outer Banks should be on every bicyclist’s list of east coast rides. You can ride 120 miles from Corolla and Duck at the north end to Hatteras and Ocracoke at the south end, with a relaxing 60 minute free ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke to rest the legs. The Outer Banks is relatively flat, with the only hills being a few bridges. You’ll see yellow Share the Road signs all through Dare and Currituck Counties on NC 168, US 158, and NC 12. There is almost always a wind, 5-15 mph, blowing in the wrong direction for bicycling. When the wind is from the east, it blows up some salt spray, so the bikes need a good bath after they leave the Outer Banks.

Skateboarding

While the Outer Banks are better known for water sports and recreation, there are numerous opportunities for skateboarders around the area. The mild temperatures of North Carolina provide excellent conditions for year round skating at the five top-notch skate parks located along the stretch from Corolla to Buxton. Many of these parks have a wide variety of terrain, such as wooden ramps, concrete and combination bowls, even flow areas and a street plaza. While some parks are free, others require payment before skating. For an alternative to the beach, these parks provide a great day for the family. Some even have outdoor grill areas perfect for a summer barbeque.

Horseback Riding

There’s nothing that quite compares to horseback riding on the beach or exploring coastal hideaways. You will enjoy horseback riding courtesy of local stables that welcome the public. Explore trails through the only maritime forests on the Outer Banks: Buxton Woods, the NC Coastal Reserve, and the National Park Service. Ride out past the sand dunes to the gorgeous beauty of the beach. Some trails go by the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point. Miles of pristine beaches await you. Take your family on the ride of a lifetime and see the natural beauty of the Outer Banks from a completely different perspective.

Miniature Golf

Corolla

Kill Devil Hills

Paradise Golf & Arcade
3300 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-7626
Paradise Golf & Arcade is the largest miniature golf course found on the Outer Banks. You and your family will enjoy playing the 36 holes of this course, complete with lakes and fountains. Also on site is an arcade and snack bar.

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf
1600 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 480-0142
Lost Treasure Golf of Kill Devil Hills offers 36 holes in this unique miniature golf course with waterfalls, dinosaur footprints, lost treasure and a mining train to the first hole. You will feel like you stepped back in time as you try your luck at miniature golfing!

Kitty Hawk

Nags Head

Blackbeard’s Miniature Golf
6714 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-4541
During the summer months, Blackbeard’s Miniature Golf is open daily. Located at Mile Post 16 in Nags Head, there is a video acrade you can enjoy after some golf. Usually open till at 10:00 summer nights.

Corolla

The Currituck Golf Club
620 Currituck Clubhouse Drive
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-9400
The Currituck Club, located between Duck and Corolla, offers a Rees Jones course, which is a traditional Scottish Links style course. This great course was named ”Top 10 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. Bunkers Grille, golf lessons and real estate services are also available at The Currituck Club.

You and your friends can golf at Seascape while enjoying views of the rolling sand dunes of the Ouer Banks. There is a pro shop and restaurant on the premises.

The Promenade Water Sports & Golf
105 Promenade Lane
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-4400
The Promenade Water Sports & Golf offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. There is a children’s park, driving/practice range, grass putting, watersports, miniature golf and video arcades. The Promenade is open year-round and is located just east of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk.

Located in The Village at Nags Head subdivision, this semi-private club is open to the public. Clubhouse features a restaurant and bar, The Players Grille and a golf shop. Open year round.

Southern Shores

Duck Woods Country Club
50 S Dogwood Trail
Southern Shores, NC 27949
(252) 261-2609
Duck Woods Country Club is a full-service club featuring golf, tennis, swimming, dining, social activities and more. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Ellis Maple and features Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways that meander through beautiful woodlands, canals and natural wetlands.

The full-service clubhouse features a golf shop, lounge, dining and banquet facilities. Banquet facilities are also available at Duck Woods Country Club.

We offer the Wild Horse Safari – A 2-hour Off-Road journey to see the wild ”Spanish Mustangs” left behind by early explorers almost 500 years ago. We tour 16,000 acres of beach, dune and back country on this 30 mile excursion in large family SUV’s to discover the true nature, history and shorelife of the Outer Banks. Small groups and families up to eight can go on this informative eco-journey. Tours are daily by appointment.

Beach Jeeps of Corolla
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-6141
Jeep and Car rentals available for the Outer Banks. We offer a self guided Jeep safari that is truly a unique experience. Travel to the northern beaches of the Outer Banks and see Penny’s Hill Swan Beach, North Swan Beach and the wild Spanish ponies.

Bob’s Wild Horse Tours
1066 Ocean Trail
Inn at Corolla Light
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-8602
This two hour long family adventure covers approx. 25 miles off road in Corolla. The trips are all taken in air conditioned vehicles. Every trip comes with a guarantee that you will see wild horses or you can ask for a full refund. Outer Banks locals will take you on an adventure of a lifetime!

Kitty Hawk Kites
785 Sunset Boulevard
TimBuck II Shopping Center
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-8845
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and more. Windsocks, Spinners, Baskets, Twisters and Flags with a variety of themes – Flowers, Animals, Holidays, and more! Stunt (Sport) Kites have two lines so you can perform tricks. They carry a huge selection for all skill levels and they make great gifts.

Kitty Hawk Kites
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-2904
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and more. Windsocks, Spinners, Baskets, Twisters and Flags with a variety of themes – Flowers, Animals, Holidays, and more! Stunt (Sport) Kites have two lines so you can perform tricks. They carry a huge selection for all skill levels and they make great gifts.

Kill Devil Hills & Kitty Hawk

Outer Banks Fishing Charters
200 Quail Lane
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 256-2047
We target different species of fish depending on water temp, tide, season and wind direction. When you book a half day or full day sound/inlet charter with us you can fish for trout, drum, flounder, spanish, blues, striper (rockfish) bottom fish (spot, croaker, pigfish) and more. If you are looking to go out in the ocean we have a ocean/inlet package that you can fish for amberjack, dolphin, spanish, triggers, spades, blues, cobia, striper all within a 25 mile range of shore. Also offer evening sound trips for sightseeing or fishing. So come on lets go fishing and have a great time on the beautiful waters of the Outer Banks of NC. Coast Guard licensed and insured.

Our Tour Guide
PO Box 2422
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 202-3201
Our Tour Guide is a company, located in Kill Devil Hills, offering self-guided audio tours of the Outer Banks on audio CD. Play the CD in your car, and you have a tour guide riding along with you.

Manteo

Barrier Island Aviation, Ltd.
407 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-4247
Barrier Island Aviation, Ltd. offers exciting air tours that depart from the Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo. During your Outer Banks vacation, you can see wildlife, shipwrecks and local attractions from the air! You will be surprised at how different everything looks from this unique overhead perspective.

View marine wildlife that includes dolphins, sea turtles and more as you cruise over the pristine beaches of the outer banks. Seating up to three passengers, our high wing aircraft offers you 30 minute or one hour flights with an unforgettable view of Roanoke Island, The Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, lighthouses, all with the breathtaking view of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Other service offered charter flights, aircraft rental and flight instruction.

Downeast Rover Sailing Cruises
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slip #50
Manteo, NC 27954
(866) 724-5629
The Downeast Rover is a 55-foot topsail schooner that operates three sailing excursions per day from the Manteo waterfront. Trips depart at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. All of our sailings are two hours long or longer, and are weather permitting. Daytime cruises are $15.00 for children and $30.00 for adults, while sunset cruises are $40.00 per person. Children under 2 sail for free on our two daytime cruises. The Downeast Rover is located on the Manteo waterfront next to The Tranquil House Inn.

Kitty Hawk Aero Tours
401 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
(877) 274-2461
Kitty Hawk Aero Tours offers sightseeing tours of the Outer Banks. After 8 years of flying over the Outer Banks, we know where the shipwrecks and all of the sights are. We are the only air tour operator allowed to fly over the National Seashore to see such sights as the Bodie Island Lighthouse and sealife.

You can enjoy all of the spectacular sights of the area from a whole new perspective – from the air! For parties of 3 or 4 with a child, the cost is $39 per person. For parties of 2, the cost is $48 per person. Kitty Hawk Aero Tours also offers antique open cockpit biplane rides for parties of 2 at $98 per person. If you want more of a challenge, you may enjoy a daily Flight Camp Course for $98 where you can learn to fly and land a real airplane!

Grab a friend, slip into your flying helmet, climb up on the wing and into the front seat for a trip back in time…join us for an air tour over the Outer Banks today; it’s no ordinary plane ride, it’s one of the most exciting things to do on the OBX!

Please call 252-216-7777 for more information or reservations.

Outer Banks Cruises
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slips #52-53
Manteo, NC 27954
(800) 611-2021
Outer Banks Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing boat tours. You can choose between a Dolphin Watch Tour, Pelican Island Cruise Bird Watch, Shrimping/Crabbing Cruise or a Private Sunset Sound Safari Sightseeing Cruise. The price and duration of trip varies, depending on your preference. Cruises take place aboard the 49-passenger Captain Johnny and take place between April and November. Group rates are available, as well as private charters. Boats are docked at slips 52 and 53 in the Manteo Waterfront Marina.

Nags Head

Bodie Island Adventures
7649 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-6822
Bring your cameras because you will be seeing some of the most beautiful scenery on the East Coast. Experienced Captains guide you through the Roanoke sound by kayak where you will may see bottle nose dolphin, waterfowl, nesting pelicans and local wildlife. Private tours and special events are welcome.

Kitty Hawk Kites
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
(800) 483-2808
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and more. Windsocks, Spinners, Baskets, Twisters and Flags with a variety of themes – Flowers, Animals, Holidays, and more! Stunt (Sport) Kites have two lines so you can perform tricks. They carry a huge selection for all skill levels and they make great gifts.

Ocracoke

Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises
138 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4361
Captain Rudy Austin or Captain Donald Austin will be happy to take you on a boat tour to show you how life used to be on the Outer Banks. You will visit Portsmouth Island and see unspoiled beaches where you can collect shells and memories.

Daily Trips to Portsmouth Island; tours of surrounding islands. Also available for special events, group charters, weddings, school groups, church groups, etc. Great shelling, secluded beaches, ecotours, local history, Blackbeard’s hideout!

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4563
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and more. Windsocks, Spinners, Baskets, Twisters and Flags with a variety of themes – Flowers, Animals, Holidays, and more! Stunt (Sport) Kites have two lines so you can perform tricks. They carry a huge selection for all skill levels and they make great gifts.

Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-7245
Schooner Windfall sails daily from the Community Store dock. 1 hour family pirate cruises with free loot for the kids. Dress like a pirate or come as you Ahrrr! Sunset sails. Food and beverages are welcome but not provided. For schedule information and reservations come to the dock or call Schooner Windfall. Please note that credit cards are not accepted.